Welwyn 3rd XV 30 - Old Ashmoleans 2nd XV 15.

Old Ashmoleans were the visitors on Saturday filled with confidence from winning their merit table this season promising a tough game for the development squad.

A rock hard pitch and fine weather suggested fine, exciting, free flowing rugby...............however here's what actually happened.

The visitors started strongly and scored a disputed early try in the corner. Welwyn responded well with strong forward play with The 'role model' Mr Cleary being dragged over the line for the first of his three tries (his first ever hat trick) by his colleagues. This was followed by good running from nibbles creating a chance on the left but Ashmoleans responded immediately with their best player (no.13) breaking the line and through a pathetic tackle by the old man - this week at full back - to re-take the lead. Ashmoleans forwards were strong but the Welwyn backs kept making opportunities and good hands from Mevans and Leon lead to two darting runs and excellent tries by the Smith twins - Andy and Chris (don't tell Tiffy - shhh....) These, together with a conversion from Joe B and one more from the 'role model' left Welwyn in control at 22 - 12 at half time. Si Lynch once again took a dive before half time to deny Old man Humphries a second half rest and Tony 'super sub' Seery arrived from the vets game to shore up the front row (Mick once again keeping a low profile prior to his mates letting him down (?) by allowing him to get drunk).

Mitch on for nibbles at half time.

In the second half the wind favoured Welwyn and Joe kept the ball firmly in the opposition 22 forcing Ashmoleans to run it back at us. They never really looked like scoring other than one last ditch tackle out wide and the role model was finally dragged kicking and screaming over the line for a third time by the forwards costing him a well earned jug. Joe B kicked a penalty for 30 - 12 and Harry had had enough of the hard ground and went off for a rest to allow James Lynch on for a run in the centre. Uncontested scrums followed which favoured their tiring pack but good work from Mark 'butterfingers' Hesketh , Alex, Bill, Gibbo and all kept Ashmoleans at bay and another 'W' was posted on the board.

Man of the match was Joe Brace - well deserved - look out club 18-30 here he comes.

And finally...............despite scoring three tries the 'role model' was most upset at being accused of being a hooker by the opposition captain..............and he wasn't even at the gentlemans eveing the night before! (and I know - I've got the pictures................................but fortunately not the funnel.....................)